Phonetics in a Contest

All: There has been a little behind the scenes chatter on the use of phonetics in a contest. Specifically the question of the questionable use of Zipper Half

Message 1 of 3
, Jul 1, 2006

0 Attachment

All:

There has been a little behind the scenes chatter on the use of
phonetics in a contest. Specifically the question of the questionable
use of Zipper Half Open at club radio events. While I recognize that
everyone has a certain tolerance we also must cooperate and help
everyone enjoy the hobby.

The first time I heard this phonetic butchering of the club's call sign
I was just saddened. There are many zippers in our world but the sorry
ones immediately and tragically come to mind when this phrase is
uttered. It may reflect poorly on the club and the operator using this
phrase.

Imagine a twist on the scenario where the GOTA shack is soliciting
contacts in the Field Day setting. The call sign is Alpha Bravo Eight
Sugar Charlie. It is changed to America Baker Eight Sex Change. This
brought the problems home to roost in a personal way. Funny? Stupid?
Sad? A good image? I'm wondering.

My two cents.

Bill
AB8 Slow Code

By the way, I use Slow Code with pride and with the fond memory of Bob,
K8IUI SK who first suggested, in jest, these phonetics. RIP friend

k8mhz@k8mhz.com

Bill, As you know, I am in favor of sticking with standard phonetics. Tom W8AMZ and I discussed this at length. It s much different if you are talking to a

Message 2 of 3
, Jul 1, 2006

0 Attachment

Bill,

As you know, I am in favor of sticking with
standard phonetics. Tom W8AMZ and I discussed this at length. It's
much different if you are talking to a friend who already knows your call and
you use a phrase like "Slow Code". First and foremost, it's your own
call. Second, the phrase is not a means to clarify, but to
entertain.

Quite contrary to using, indeed butchering, the
call sign of the MAARC that represents so many fine people. My feelings
are a person using the call of W8ZHO is a guest and should treat the call with
respect.

I had a HUGE problem with "Zipper Half Open" being
used at all, and FD was probably the worst place to do it. FD was used to
promote ham radio to middle school aged kids all over the country. When I
heard the call used it was about 6 or 7 pm Saturday on the West Coast, about 10
pm here. Is this what we want kids to hear and relate the club
to?

There has been a little behind the scenes chatter on the use of
phonetics in a contest. Specifically the question of the questionable
use of Zipper Half Open at club radio events. While I recognize that
everyone has a certain tolerance we also must cooperate and help
everyone enjoy the hobby.

The first time I heard this phonetic
butchering of the club's call sign I was just saddened. There are many
zippers in our world but the sorry ones immediately and tragically come to
mind when this phrase is uttered. It may reflect poorly on the club and
the operator using this phrase.

Imagine a twist on the scenario
where the GOTA shack is soliciting contacts in the Field Day setting. The
call sign is Alpha Bravo Eight Sugar Charlie. It is changed to America
Baker Eight Sex Change. This brought the problems home to roost in a
personal way. Funny? Stupid? Sad? A good image? I'm wondering.

My
two cents.

BillAB8 Slow Code

By the way, I use Slow Code
with pride and with the fond memory of Bob, K8IUI SK who first suggested,
in jest, these phonetics. RIP friend